Keep a cool head in the global warming debate

A recent episode of the popular TV drama "House" centered on the psychological phenomenon of human hysteria. In the show, people were led to believe certain physical symptoms indicated the presence of a serious illness and, true to human nature, many people then began to experience them exactly as described. While it was greatly exaggerated, the show was entertaining and provocative in its portrayal of human suggestibility.

In that context, and with the celebration of Earth Day just a few days ago, it would seem like a good time to consider what appears to be a growing alarmism about climate change, or human-generated global...